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By Joe Buscaglia

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Bills' Levitre Focused on Getting Job Back

by Joe Buscaglia,posted Aug 17 2011 10:27PM

The week started off as per usual for the Buffalo Bills offensive linemen. Left guard Andy Levitre stood between Demetrius Bell to his left and Eric Wood at his right on Monday. It wasn't until Tuesday where a rather interesting switch had been made.

Levitre had been relegated to the second team, and his backup Chad Rinehart took reps with the first team. That is, until it was 'back to normal' on Wednesday, with Levitre back at first team left guard. The third-year man out of Oregon State confirmed that they would be continuing to split reps.

"Me and Chad are alternating days so [Thursday] he'll be with the ones," said Levitre. "I think we'll be splitting some time in the game this weekend."

It was jarring for most fans to hear that Levtire, not right guard Kraig Urbik was the one who's starting role with the team was in trouble. Fans weren't the only ones. Levitre explained how he took the news.

"I mean, not very lightly," replied the Bills left guard. "It was my job so I'm going to make sure that I can do all that I can so that I still have that spot."

After practice Tuesday, head coach Chan Gailey had explained that he hadn't lost any confidence in Levitre's abilities, he just admired the way Rinehart had been playing.

"Chad has played pretty well during camp," remarked the Bills head man. "He's earned the right to compete for the job on a little bit more equal basis, so we gave him a shot. We're going to see how that plays out. Now's the time to give a guy a chance if he's earned it."

But the team's offensive line coach, Joe D'Alessandris, gave a brief explanation to Levitre for the switch.

"[I] got what I wanted to hear out of it, more specific things which is good," he said. "I've just got some things to work on. I should hopefully be able to get those things cleaned up by the end of the preseason, if not sooner."

The team also head Levitre snapping the ball at center during Wednesday night's practice. That was done moreso if the Bills' need a center in an emergency situation.

The Bills wrap up training camp on Thursday afternoon with a 2:20 practice at St. John Fisher College.